Damascus : At least 45 people were killed in Syrian government air strikes on opposition areas around Damascus today after rebels fired dozens of mortar rounds at the capital, a monitor said.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least six children were among those killed in nearly 40 air raids on parts of Eastern Ghouta in Damascus province.
The Britain-based group said at least 140 people were wounded, adding that government forces had also fired surface-to-surface missiles at the area.
The assault came after rebels fired at least 70 rockets and mortar rounds at the capital, killing seven people, including a policeman. The barrage left usually busy parts of the city deserted.
“Within minutes, our busy street was empty,” said a resident of the Baramkeh neighbourhood, adding that the headteacher of a local school had been forced to take her students to a shelter.
